Reuben Archer (R. A.) Torrey (1856-1928) was a renowned Congregational evangelist and author. He was born in Hoboken, New Jersey and studied at Yale University. After serving briefly as a pastor in Ohio he moved to Germany to study at Leipzig. In 1889, Dwight L. Moody asked him direct his new Bible institute, later named after its founder, and to fill the role of senior pastor at the Chicago Avenue Church, now the Moody Memorial Church. He remained here for 12 years, helping to build both into thriving and influential institutions. He performed the identical task in Los Angeles where he was dean at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles and pastor of Church of the Open Door. During his lifetime he conducted numerous worldwide evangelistic crusades and was a frequent Bible conference speaker. He wrote more than 40 books. His impact on two major Bible colleges and churches, his many speaking engagements, and his popular books helped define and develop the evangelical church during the early 20th century.
